Inspectable Synthetic Tensile Member Assembly

ABSTRACT

A protected synthetic tensile member assembly including one or more fixed terminations used to transmit a tensile load from the tensile member to an external component. The tensile member includes access for inspection of its constituent fibers in at least one selected inspection region. The region is selected on the basis of the area of interest to the tensile member&#39;s use—such as the area of greatest stress concentration or the area of greatest abrasion. A removable cover is provided for the inspection region. A user may selectively remove this cover in order to gain access to the inspection region.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This non-provisional patent application is a divisional of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/236,945. The parent application listed the sameinventor.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not Applicable member

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to the field of load-carrying tensile members.More specifically, the invention comprises a synthetic tensile memberassembly designed to permit easy inspection of defined regions in whichhigh stress, high wear, or other significant conditions are expected tooccur.

2. Description of the Related Art

Prior art tensile members are often made of steel wire. The diameter ofeach wire is significantly less than the diameter of the tensile memberas a whole. The wires are formed into a cohesive unit by varying knownprocesses, with helical wrapping being one good example. In order forthe tensile member to transmit a tensile load, one or more terminationsmust be added. The word “termination” shall mean an assembly on aportion of the tensile member that allows a load-transmitting device tobe attached to the tensile member. Such terminations are most oftenattached to the ends of a tensile member but they may also be placed onan intermediate point in some cases.

A termination is most often created by attaching a rigid loading fixtureto the end of a tensile member in order to provide a consistent andreliable interface between the often-flexible components of the tensilemember and external components. The loading fixture may be one solidpiece or may be an assembly of two or more pieces. A simple prior artexample is a closed Spelter socket. A Spelter socket is typically ametal casting or forging that includes a loading eye and an expandingcavity. The steel wires proximate the end of the tensile member areplaced within the cavity and then splayed apart. The cavity is thenfilled with a potting compound. The term “potting compound” means anycomposition that transitions from a liquid to a solid over time. As oneexample, the potting compound may be lead. Molten lead is poured intothe cavity (with the splayed wires present) and the lead then cools andsolidifies. As a second example, the potting compound may be a two-partepoxy. The two parts are mixed together and then placed in the cavity.The two parts then cross-link and solidify.

Once the potting compound solidifies, the end of the steel wire tensilemember is locked to the Spelter socket and a termination is therebycreated. In this example, the “termination” includes the Spelter socket(including the loading eye and cavity), the length of strands pottedinto the cavity, and the potting compound that has solidified in thecavity. The loading eye may be attached to some external object and thetensile member may then be used to transmit tension. Spelter sockets aremade with many different types of loading features, including a tang orclevis with a transverse hole.

In some examples, the rigid loading fixture may be split into twopieces. The first piece contains the cavity used for potting. This pieceis usually called an “anchor.” The second piece attaches to the anchorand includes a feature for transmitting a load—such as a loading eye. Asan example, the anchor might include an external thread. The loading eyewould then include an internal thread designed to engage the externalthread on the anchor.

As those skilled in the art will know, many other types of terminationsexist. As another example, a wire tensile member can be wrapped around ametal thimble and woven or clamped back on itself. The middle of thethimble then forms an “eye” through which a pin may be passed to securethe termination to an external object. In still another example, thetensile member may be woven around a hollow transverse tube. The hollowtube then receives a transverse pin. In all these examples, thetermination provides a rigid and consistent load-transference point forthe tensile member. In other words, the point at which a load is to betransferred to the tensile member is clearly defined. Further, thefibers that are actually connected to the load-transference point areheld in a consistently defined state (They are locked into thetermination in a consistent and repeatable way). Such a termination isdefined as a “fixed termination.” This is to be contrasted with someother prior art tensile members such as slings that are made of acontinuous loop of material. Such continuous-loop slings may be loadedat an infinite number of points (such as by passing a given point of thesling around a transverse pin). The present invention applies to fixedterminations.

Tensile members are often used in “critical” applications where thefailure of the tensile member could have catastrophic results. One goodexample would be a tensile member used as a “stay” in a crane. Theportions of the tensile member lying outside the terminations are oftensubjected to abrasion forces, cutting forces, ultraviolet radiation,corrosion, debris infiltration, and other degrading phenomena. A tensilemember will of course not remain in service forever. It must beinspected and periodically replaced. A long-established inspectionregimen exists for steel wire tensile members used in criticalapplications. The outer wires of each tensile member bundle are visuallyaccessible.

One well-known criterion simply counts the number of broken wires thatare visible on a tensile member's exterior and uses this as a pass/failcriterion. While somewhat crude, this approach has been found to beeffective for the prior art steel wire tensile members.

It is now known to replace the steel wires in a prior art tensile memberwith high-strength synthetic fibers. Examples include KEVLAR, VECTRAN,DYNEEMA, TECHNORA, SPECTRA, POLYESTER, NYLON, GLASS, CARBON, and ZYLON.The individual components of a steel tensile member are most commonlyreferred to as “wires” while the individual components of a tensilemember made of synthetic materials are most commonly referred to as“fibers” or “filaments.” For consistency in this disclosure, the term“fibers” will be used for the synthetic components.

Pound-for-pound, synthetic tensile members have the potential to be muchstronger than steel tensile members. They offer other advantages as wellsuch as corrosion resistance and easier handling. However, somecharacteristics of synthetic fibers are less desirable. Synthetic fibershave a very small diameter, on the order of a human hair, making it verydifficult to inspect large sections. Synthetic fibers are also muchsofter than steel, making them more prone to snag and tear. They arealso more susceptible to heat damage, debris infiltration, abrasiondamage, ultraviolet degradation, and cutting damage. Thus, in manyapplications it is desirable to protect any exposed synthetic fibers ina tough external jacket.

The term “jacket” should be understood to include any type of protectivecovering for a collection of synthetic fibers. It most commonly refersto a covering for a bundle of strands passing between two terminations,but it may also encompass some or all of the terminations themselves. Ajacket may be applied via an extrusion process, such as extruding aNYLON plastic jacket over a core of synthetic fibers. A jacket may alsobe added by dipping, spraying, wrapping, or braiding, A jacket mayinclude any material or combination of materials.

The term jacket is by no means limited to the particular method ofapplication. Any material which protects the synthetic fibers could beconsidered a jacket. Because many tensile members are flexible, it maybe desirable for the jacket material to be flexible. A flexible cablewrapped around a winch drum is one example.

However, other tensile members need not be flexible at all. Forinstance, a stay used in a crane often remains in one position at alltimes. It simply transmits a tensile load between two points. In thatinstance, the jacket may be a piece of hollow steel tubing. A core ofsynthetic strands is passed through the hollow steel tubing and securedto a termination on each end. When tension is removed from such anassembly, it does not go slack because of the relative stiffness of thejacket material. However, as the primary purpose of the assembly isstill to carry tension, it is properly referred to as a “tensilemember.”

FIGS. 1 and 2 show the prior art approach of encasing the syntheticfibers in a surrounding jacket. In FIG. 1, termination 22 is created byattaching anchor 18 to tensile member 20. NG. 2 shows a section viewthrough the completed assembly. Fibers 26 are placed in expandingpassage 30 through anchor 18. They are then potted in place to createpotted region 32. Attachment fixture 36 is connected to anchor 18 usingthreaded coupling 34.

Jacket 24 is provided over the exterior of synthetic fibers 26. Itpreferably extends a short distance into anchor 18. In the embodimentshown, the jacket is received within jacket receiver 28. Thus, noportion of the synthetic fibers is exposed to the outside world.

Jacket 24 is preferably made of a tough material able to withstandnormal use within the intended environment. A common example of a jacketis an extruded layer of NYLON or HDPE covering the exterior of thesynthetic fiber core. The jacket and the rigid terminations in thisexample are able to withstand abrasive forces, cutting forces, andultraviolet radiation. In more extreme examples, the jacket may includea woven metal reinforcement layer, Of course, as explained previously,the jacket may even be a solid metal tube. In any event, a primaryobjective of the jacket is to ameliorate most of the durability problemsassociated with using synthetic fibers.

However, the reader will also appreciate that the jacket interferes withthe vital inspection function. In the example of FIGS. 1 and 2, there isno way for an inspector to look at the fibers contained within thejacket. This lack of “inspectability” has become a deterrent to the useof protected synthetic tensile members in critical applications.

In fact, the prior art approach has often been to use the syntheticfibers in an unprotected (unjacketed) state. The relatively delicatefibers are left exposed to the elements so that they can be inspected.This exposure introduces concerns regarding predictability and overallreliability. Such tensile members may break down gradually due tofrictional wear, ultraviolet degradation, debris infiltration, chemicalinfiltration, etc. For example, when a tensile member made of syntheticfibers is dragged around the deck of a vessel, some fibers will bedamaged. However, this wear is not objectively quantifiable. The onlyway to determine the strength reduction is to actually test the cable todestruction.

One prior art approach has been to weave a continuous “sling” ofsynthetic fibers. The sling is then surrounded by a loose bag thatprovides some degree of protection. However, the sling typically has nofixed and rigid loading points (It has no fixed terminations). Suchslings are intended to be passed around particular objects (such as apin having a minimum diameter) or connected to general rigging hardware.However, a user encountering such as sling has no idea whether it hasbeen used incorrectly in the past. The flexible bag encasing the corefibers may in fact be concealing many broken or damaged fibers.Inconsistencies in the hardware the sling is connected to create manypotential unknowns. The lack of environmental control creates issueswith fiber inspection due to the fact that there is no defined region ofinterest.

While prior art tension members using synthetic fibers have many knownperformance advantages, they do not tend to wear in a controlled andpredictable fashion when exposed to the environment in which they areused. They ideally need to be protected from environmental elements.However, they also need to be “inspectable” to gain and retain theconfidence of the community that uses them.

The present invention solves this problem by provided an inspectionregion in a protected synthetic tensile member assembly havingcontrolled anchor points. The inspection region selectively providesaccess to critical areas so that an inspector may view the fibers inthese critical areas.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention comprises a protected synthetic tensile memberassembly including one or more fixed terminations used to transmit atensile load from the tensile member to an external component. Thetensile member includes access for inspection of its constituent fibersin at least one selected inspection region. The region is selected onthe basis of the area of interest to the tensile member's use—such asthe area of greatest stress concentration or the area of greatestabrasion. A removable cover is provided for the inspection region. Auser may selectively remove this cover in order to gain access to theinspection region.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view, showing a prior art tensile member.

FIG. 2 is a sectional elevation view, showing the assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view, showing an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 4 is a sectional elevation view, showing the assembly of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is an elevation view, showing some details of the assembly ofFIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a sectional elevation view, showing an additional embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 7 is a sectional elevation view, showing still another embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view, showing the embodiment of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a sectional elevation view, showing still another embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view, showing the use of a alignment marking ona tensile member jacket.

FIG. 11 is a sectional detailed view, showing the use of a jacket havinglayers with differing colors.

FIG. 12 is an elevation view, showing the application of the presentinvention to a sling device.

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view, showing an inspection regionand cover for a sling device.

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view, showing an alternate embodimentof the inspection region on a sling device.

FIG. 15 is a sectional elevation view, showing a termination includingtwo removable covers.

REFERENCE NUMERALS IN THE DRAWINGS

-   18 anchor-   20 tensile member-   22 termination-   24 jacket-   26 fibers-   28 jacket receiver-   30 expanding passage-   32 potted region-   34 threaded coupling-   36 attachment fixture-   38 removable cover half-   40 removable cover half-   42 cap screw-   44 receiver-   46 jacket ring-   48 anchor ring-   50 access hole-   52 inspection region-   54 anchor ring receiver-   56 jacket ring receiver-   58 anchor opening-   60 tensile member opening-   62 transparent sling-   64 threaded cover-   66 shoulder-   68 threaded engagement-   70 cover-   72 access port-   74 alignment marking-   76 outer layer-   78 inner layer-   80 wound sling-   82 stirrup-   84 tension member-   86 casement-   88 cover-   90 strap-   92 snap-   94 receiver-   96 pin receiver-   98 first flange-   100 second flange-   102 threaded boss-   104 thimble-   106 neck anchor portion-   108 distal anchor portion-   110 threaded engagement

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Synthetic tensile member assemblies are used in a wide variety ofapplications, each of which imposes differing operating constraints. Theoperating constraints of a particular tensile member will oftendetermine the areas of interest for inspection. For instance, a tensilemember that is carrying a relatively static tensile load with pottedterminations (such as a crane boom pendant) often has the greateststress concentration and bending fatigue at the point where the freelyflexing fibers in the tensile member join the potted region in theanchor (the “potting interface”). The fibers will generally start tobreak in this location when the tensile member begins to fail. Thus, itis advisable to define an “Inspection region” for such a tensile memberin the vicinity of the potting interface.

On the other hand, another tensile member might pass over a pulley nearits mid point. That point might then warrant inspection and it wouldmake sense to define an “inspection region” near the tensile member'smidpoint. In general, the present invention operates by:

(1) Providing a synthetic tensile member that is protected by a jacket;

(2) Providing the synthetic tensile member with at least one pre-definedload-transference point (a fixed termination) that defines a consistentand controlled point where a load is transferred from the synthetictensile member to some external object;

(3) Defining one or more inspection regions where a user wishes to beable to examine the fibers of the tensile member (either visually or byother means); and

(4) providing a removable cover that selectively covers the definedinspection region(s).

When in place, the removable cover preferably provides suitableprotection for the fibers it covers. It is also desirable for theremovable cover to be removable and replaceable multiple times over theuseful life of the tensile member (though an individual cover may needto be replaced by a new cover). These objectives may be achieved using awide variety of physical components. In the following paragraphs,detailed descriptions are provided for some of the invention'sembodiments.

FIGS. 3-5 disclose the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3shows how jacket 24 stops short of anchor 18 in this version, leaving alength of exposed synthetic fibers therebetween. The length of exposedfibers is the “inspection region” for this embodiment. In thisembodiment the removable cover is split into two halves 38, 40, Thesemay be joined together by any suitable means. In the example shown, sixcap screws are fed through access holes 50 on one of the removablehalves and then threaded into threaded receivers 44 on the other half.Each access hole includes a countersunk shoulder for the head of the capscrew to bear against and draw the two halves tightly together.

It is important to protect the interior fibers from harmful exposuresduring use. Therefore, in this embodiment, a positive lock is providedbetween the cover and the jacket. This may be done using many differentfeatures, such as a long clamping surface, or a series of interlockingfeatures. One could also include one or more sealing O-rings. One couldalso introduce an injected sealing compound—such as a curablesilicone—before clamping the two cover halves together.

In the example of FIG. 3, anchor 18 is equipped with one or more anchorrings 48. Likewise jacket 24 may include an integral or separate jacketring 46. The two removable cover halves include annular recesses thatare sized to receive and engage the anchor rings and jacket ring.

FIG. 4 shows a sectional view through the assembly of FIG. 3 with one ofthe two removable cover halves still in place. Inspection region 52 inthis embodiment is the annular region between the end of the jacket andthe start of the anchor. For a tensile loading—especially, with someflexure—the area of maximum stress concentration will often occur nearthe interface between potted region 32 and the freely flexing fiberswithin the balance of the tensile member.

Another area where inspection may be desired is the point at which thefibers exit the rigid anchor. Mild flexing will often occur at thispoint, producing fatigue. Thus, when the tensile member is overloaded orhas experienced too much cyclic bending, the fibers in one of theseregions will tend to break down before the balance of the fibers in thetensile member. Inspection region 52 allows visualization of the fibersproximate the potted region interface.

FIG. 5 is a non-sectional view showing one of the cover halves lyingnext to the tensile member assembly. Removable cover half 40 in thisexample includes:

(1) anchor opening 58 sized to admit anchor 18;

(2) anchor ring receivers 54 sized to receive and engage anchor rings48;

(3) jacket ring receiver 56 sized to receive and engage jacket ring 46;and

(4) tensile member opening 60 sized to admit jacket 24.

Jacket ring 46 may be forms by depositing additional material overjacket 24. It may also be formed by ultrasonically deforming the endportion of the jacket to create a “bead.” in still other instances thejacket ring may be a separate piece that is joined to the balance of thejacket by an adhesive or by simple friction. In some instances, however,it may be preferable to omit jacket ring 46 altogether. In that case,the interior of the removable covers may simply incorporate grippingfeatures—such as a knurled surface or annular ring recesses—configuredto “bite” into the jacket. Other gripping features may also besubstituted for the interface between the removable cover half and theanchor. A connection between the cover and the jacket may also becreated using a separate adhesive.

For purposes of this invention, it is only important that the jacket beheld in place with a reasonable seal in order to prevent the ingress ofunwanted factors based on the particular application. The unwantedfactors could be UV light, chemicals, dirt, or other identified factors.The jacket, and its interface with the tension member, its interfacewith the termination(s), and its interface with any removable covershould be designed to provide an appropriate level of durability for theintended use.

FIG. 6 shows a variation on the embodiment of FIG. 5. In FIG. 6,inspection region 52 is covered by a transparent sleeve 62. In thisversion, the transparent sleeve remains in position after the coverhalves have been removed. However, the user is able to visually discerndamaged or broken fibers through the transparent sleeve. The region oftransparency may be a smaller window within a larger sleeve. The use ofsuch a transparent region could be adopted to different portions of theanchor or jacket as well.

FIGS. 7 and 8 disclose an additional embodiment that uses a differentapproach to attaching and removing the cover. Threaded cover 64 is asleeve that selectively connects to anchor 18 via threaded engagement68. The distal end of the threaded cover includes shoulder 66, which issized to bear against jacket ring 46. When the user wishes to inspectthe inspection region, he or she grasps threaded cover 64 and unscrewsit. Once the threaded engagement is released the user is able to slidethe threaded cover down the jacket.

This type of cover provides good access to a useful inspection point.Stress is generally concentrated in the neck region of the anchor. Thisis true for a potted termination (such as shown) and also forspike-and-cone terminations, other compression devices, and nearly anyother form of fixed termination. It is also useful to inspect such atransition region in the case of a spliced thimble where high stresses,abrasion, misalignment, or undesirable fiber-to-fiber slipping mayoccur.

This action is shown in FIG. 8. Threaded cover 64 is pulled down tensilemember 20 in the direction indicated by the arrow. This motion revealsinspection region 52. When the inspection is complete, the user pushesthe threaded cover back into engagement with the threads on anchor 18and tightens it.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many other configurationsfor the inspection regions and covers are possible. The design of thesecomponents is dependent on the tension member construction, the locationand size of the desired inspection regions, and the level of durabilityrequired to manage the unwanted elements.

FIGS. 9-14 serve to illustrate a few of these possible additionalembodiments. FIG. 9 shows an embodiment in which the inspection regionsare accessed through the anchor itself. Anchor 18 is provided with oneor more access ports 72. Each access port is threaded in order toreceive a cover 70 (which is also threaded). When a cover 70 is removed,a user may visually inspect the synthetic fibers in inspection region52. It is also possible to provide transparent windows in the anchoritself.

The cover in this example could even be an injected volume of curablesilicone. The silicone would be injected as a liquid and then cure toform a pliable solid. The resulting flexible plug could be pried outwith a screwdriver when inspection is needed. It would then be“replaced” by injecting a new volume of silicone.

As still more examples, the cover could span a large region and beremoved by pivoting or sliding. The cover would be “removed” to permitaccess to the inspection region, yet would remain attached to thebalance of the tension member.

It is preferable to combine other stress-indicating features with theprovision of the covered and protected inspection region. FIGS. 10 and11 illustrate some of these features. NG. 10 shows a termination 22 thatincorporates a clevis joint configured to receive a pin through atransverse hole. Several overload holes 104 are provided in the regionof the transverse hole. If a maximum specified tensile load is exceeded,overload holes 104 allow the transverse hole to elongate. This actiontends to “clench” the pin that is passing through the hole. The metalwill also be visibly deformed. These conditions will alert the user tothe fact that the tensile member has been overloaded and should beremoved from service.

Also, since the protection tensile member is covered, it may beimportant to control certain movements that could go unnoticed and thatmight adversely affect strength. In many synthetic fiber constructions,it is important to ensure that the tension member is not significantlytwisted. Alignment marking 74 may be added to the tensile member jacketto show any significant twist. The alignment marking is preferably of acontrasting color—such as a yellow alignment marking on a blackbackground. It may also be desirable to rotationally interlock thejacket and the core of synthetic fibers it contains. An extruded jacketmay include a protrusion that extends inward into the core. Theprotrusion in the extruded profile creates a longitudinal rib thatinhibits any rotation of the jacket with respect to the core. Of course,there are many possible alignment markers that could be usedcontinuously or at certain intervals along the tensile member. Evenprinted text could be used for this purpose.

It is also preferable for the jacket to visually indicate a significantform of wear such as burns, cuts, scrapes, scuffs, or a full breach.FIG. 11 shows one approach to providing such a feature. Jacket 24includes two layers—outer layer 76 and inner layer 78. The two layersmay be provided in contrasting colors (possibly using differentmaterials). For example, the outer layer may be black while the innerlayer is yellow. A scuff that is deep enough to penetrate the outerlayer will thereby appear as a yellow streak on the black jacket. Theouter layer may also be designed for a certain type of protection (cutresistance) while the inner layer might be designed for a different typeof protection (moisture resistance).

Such a multi-layer jacket construction provides a visual “go/no-go”indication for the tensile member assembly. Separate retirement orrepair criteria could then be applied to each layer of the jacket.

The preceding embodiments have included terminations where a length offibers is potted into an anchor. In the field of synthetic tensionmember, there are of course other types of terminations and theinvention is by no means limited to ropes or cables with anchor-basedterminations. FIGS. 12-14 provide illustrations of the invention appliedto other types of tension members and terminations.

One way to create a termination is to pass a braided rope around a stiffthimble or sheave and then weave it back into itself. A transverse pinis then passed through the thimble or sheave to convey a load. In somecases this may be configured with one tensile leg, and in other casesthe synthetic fibers may wrap back around to form a “grommet” (circularconfigurations with two or more tensile legs and a fixed termination ateach end. In the case where grommets or round slings are used, it isimportant for purposes of this invention that some form of fixedtermination be used. This allows the stress to be controlled and locatedat a defined point during the use of the tensile member.

FIG. 12 shows still another type of tensile member and termination. Inthis version a very long fiber or a series of twisted yarns or ropes ispassed repeatedly around the two stirrups 82 until a thick bundle isproduced. The entire assembly is then sealed into casement 86 (which maybe a urethane or a two-part epoxy that is hardened in situ after theassembly is placed in a mold). The result is tension member 84 passingbetween the two stirrups 86. Such an assembly is thereby entirelysealed, with the end terminations sealed to the center region and aprotective jacket covering all the fibers.

FIG. 13 shows the inclusion of an inspection region 52 on the outsideportion of a stirrup 82. The inspection region is an opening in thecasement that reveals the fibers inside in an area where stresses areconcentrated. Cover 88 is selectively placed over the inspection regionwhen no inspection is desired. Cover 88 is secured using strap 90. Oneor more snaps 92 on strap 90 snap into receiver 94. Of course, manyother designs could be used to adequately cover such an arrangement.

Still another approach is shown in an exploded state in FIG. 14. In thisembodiment, fibers are wound around or ropes are spliced totwo-sheave-type termination bodies. In this example, a transverse holeis provided through casement 86 (The casement is the protective jacketin this case). Inspection region 52 is simply the interior of thistransverse hole, where stresses are concentrated. Cover 88 is acylindrical load-hearing element that passes through the casement andcovers inspection region 52. Cover 88 includes first flange 98 thatbears against a first side of the casement. Second flange 100 bearsagainst the opposite side of the casement when threaded boss 102 isthreaded into a threaded receiver in cover 88. Pin receiver 96 is asmooth cylindrical hole configured to receive a linking pin thatattached the stirrup to something else. Of course, many other designscould be used to provide a cover for this type of inspection region.

It is preferable in this example to cover the inspection region with atransparent sleeve (configured to be a close sliding fit for cover 88).The presence of such a transparent sleeve allows the desired visualinspection without allowing the fibers within the inspection region tobecome disorganized and protrude into the cylindrical cavity needed toreceive the cover.

For a spliced rope, terminated round sling, grommet, or fiber-woundsling design, inspection of these inner bearing and sliding elementswould be useful. This area, like the entry point into an anchoring ortermination body, is a leading stress and wear point.

FIG. 15 shows an embodiment in which an enlarged inspection region isprovided. In addition, this embodiment includes two separate coverpieces that provide a progressive level of access. Threaded cover 64 issimilar to the configuration shown in FIG. 7. However, in this version,the anchor has been split into two pieces—neck anchor portion 106 anddistal anchor portion 108. The two anchor portions are selectivelyengaged via threaded engagement 110.

The user may choose to unscrew threaded cover 64 and thereby gain accessto the inspection region it covers. The user may then go further byunscrewing neck anchor portion 106 from distal anchor portion 108. Thisallows the user to extend the inspection region well into the pottedregion of the termination (for the case of a potted termination). In thecase of a mechanical termination (such as a spike-and-cone) the extendedinspection region allows the user to visualize an additional length offibers. These transitional regions tend to carry high stressconcentrations are subject to wear over use. The extended inspectionregion may only be used some of the time (such as to help ensure theproper initial setup of this region when it is first loaded).

Additional features and variations for the present invention include thefollowing:

1. A version where a substantial portion of the termination or the cablejacket is transparent;

2. A version where the removable cover is a piece of tape, a helicalwrapping, a wire wrapping, or a painted layer; and

3. A version where each individual termination on each individualtensile member is gathered into a larger collector of terminations (inorder to build a much larger tensile member, for example).

Although the preceding description contains significant detail, itshould not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention butrather as providing illustrations of the preferred embodiments of theinvention. As an example, the removable covers could assume manydifferent forms and could attach in different ways. Thus, the scope ofthe present invention should be fixed by the claims rather than thespecific examples given.

1. A method for providing and inspecting a durable yet inspectabletensile member assembly including synthetic fibers as a tension-carryingelement, comprising: (a) providing a tensile member, including, (i) acore of synthetic fibers, said core having an end, (ii) a termination onsaid end, said termination including an anchor with an anchor exit wheresaid fibers exit said anchor, (iii) a jacket surrounding said core; (iv)an inspection region located proximate said anchor exit; (b) providing afirst cover configured to cover a first portion of said inspectionregion; (c) providing a second cover configured to cover a secondportion of said inspection region; (d) opening said first cover in orderto permit inspection of said first portion of said inspection region;and (e) following said inspection of said first portion of saidinspection region, closing said first cover.
 2. The method for providingand inspecting a durable yet inspectable tensile member assembly asrecited in claim 1 wherein said inspection region encompasses a pottinginterface.
 3. The method for providing and inspecting a durable yetinspectable tensile member assembly as recited in claim 1, furthercomprising providing a transparent sleeve covering said inspectionregion underneath said first cover.
 4. The method for providing andinspecting a durable yet inspectable tensile member assembly as recitedin claim 1, further comprising providing interlocking features betweensaid first cover and said jacket.
 5. The method for providing andinspecting a durable yet inspectable tensile member assembly as recitedin claim 1, further comprising providing interlocking features betweensaid first cover and said anchor.
 6. The method for providing andinspecting a durable yet inspectable tensile member assembly as recitedin claim 4, wherein said interlocking features include a ringinterlocking with an annular recess.
 7. The method for providing andinspecting a durable yet inspectable tensile member assembly as recitedin claim 1, further comprising: (a) wherein said core of syntheticfibers has a second end; (b) providing a second termination on saidsecond end, said second termination including a second anchor with asecond anchor exit where said fibers exit said second anchor; (c)providing a second inspection region located proximate said secondanchor exit; (d) providing a third cover configured to cover a firstportion of said second inspection region; (e) providing a fourth coverconfigured to cover a second portion of said second inspection region;(f) opening said third cover in order to permit inspection of said firstportion of said second inspection region; and (g) following saidinspection of said first portion of said second inspection region,closing said third cover.
 8. A method for providing and inspecting adurable yet inspectable tensile member assembly including syntheticfibers as a tension-carrying element, comprising: (a) providing atensile member having a core of synthetic fibers, said tensile memberhaving an end; (b) providing a termination attached to said end of saidtensile member, said termination including an anchor with an anchor exitwhere said core exits said anchor; (c) wherein said anchor includes aninternal passage and a length of said fibers lie within said internalpassage; with said fibers being locked into a solidified pottingcompound, with said anchor completely surrounding said length of saidfibers; (d) providing a jacket surrounding said core; (e) providing aninspection region proximate said anchor exit; (f) providing a firstcover configured to cover a first portion of said inspection region; (g)providing a second cover configured to cover a second portion of saidinspection region; (h) opening said first cover in order to permitinspection of said first portion of said inspection region; and (i)following said inspection of said first portion of said inspectionregion, closing said first cover.
 9. The method for providing andinspecting a durable yet inspectable tensile member assembly as recitedin claim 8 wherein said inspection region encompasses a pottinginterface.
 10. The method for providing and inspecting a durable yetinspectable tensile member assembly as recited in claim 8, furthercomprising providing a transparent sleeve covering said inspectionregion underneath said first cover.
 11. The method for providing andinspecting a durable yet inspectable tensile member assembly as recitedin claim 8, further comprising providing interlocking features betweensaid first cover and said jacket.
 12. The method for providing andinspecting a durable yet inspectable tensile member assembly as recitedin claim 8, further comprising providing interlocking features betweensaid first cover and said anchor.
 13. The method for providing andinspecting a durable yet inspectable tensile member assembly as recitedin claim 11, wherein said interlocking features include a ringinterlocking with an annular recess.
 14. The method for providing andinspecting a durable yet inspectable tensile member assembly as recitedin claim 8, further comprising: (a) wherein said core of syntheticfibers has a second end; (b) providing a second termination on saidsecond end, said second termination including a second anchor with asecond anchor exit where said fibers exit said second anchor; (c)providing a second inspection region located proximate said secondanchor exit; (d) providing a third cover configured to cover a firstportion of said second inspection region; (e) providing a fourth coverconfigured to cover a second portion of said second inspection region;(f) opening said third cover in order to permit inspection of said firstportion of said second inspection region; and (g) following saidinspection of said first portion of said second inspection region,closing said third cover.
 15. A method for providing and inspecting adurable yet inspectable tensile member assembly including syntheticfibers as a tension-carrying element, wherein said tensile memberassembly includes a core of said synthetic fibers, a jacket surroundingsaid core, an end, a termination attached to said end, said terminationincluding an anchor, an anchor exit where said core exits said anchor,and an inspection region proximate said anchor exit, comprising: (a)providing a first cover configured to cover a first portion of saidinspection region; (b) providing a second cover configured to cover asecond portion of said inspection region; (c) opening said first coverin order to permit inspection of said first portion of said inspectionregion; and (d) following said inspection of said first portion of saidinspection region, closing said first cover.
 16. The method forproviding and inspecting a durable yet inspectable tensile memberassembly as recited in claim 15 wherein said inspection regionencompasses a potting interface.
 17. The method for providing andinspecting a durable yet inspectable tensile member assembly as recitedin claim 15, further comprising providing a transparent sleeve coveringsaid inspection region underneath said first cover.
 18. The method forproviding and inspecting a durable yet inspectable tensile memberassembly as recited in claim 15, further comprising providinginterlocking features between said first cover and said jacket.
 19. Themethod for providing and inspecting a durable yet inspectable tensilemember assembly as recited in claim 15, further comprising providinginterlocking features between said first cover and said anchor.
 20. Themethod for providing and inspecting a durable yet inspectable tensilemember assembly as recited in claim 15, wherein said tensile memberassembly includes a second end, a second termination attached to saidsecond end, said second termination including a second anchor, a secondanchor exit, and a second inspection region proximate said second anchorexit, further comprising: (a) providing a third cover configured tocover a first portion of said second inspection region; (b) providing afourth cover configured to cover a second portion of said secondinspection region; (c) opening said third cover in order to permitinspection of said first portion of said second inspection region; and(d) following said inspection of said first portion of said secondinspection region, closing said third cover.